08. Digital Storytelling



Name of Technology Tool:

VoiceThread


Rationale for Using this Technology Tool:

*Students will learn how to make a decision regarding the appropriate number of images and the right amount of commentary for the audience they are making this Voicethread for.
*In this particular case, students will have a chance to practice their Spanish speaking skills and listen to their classmates' comments.
Unlike a podcast, a digital storytelling tool like Voicethread allows for more direct interaction between a student and his/her classmates and teacher.


Description of Scenario:

Students from an 11th grade Spanish class are learning about female Latin American authors. Their teacher wants each of them to focus on a particular author and as a final assignment, create a Voicethread about that author for their classmates.


Rationale for Using This Technology Tool In School Libraries:

*Since students will be using images, the librarian will need to inform them about copyright issues and when they can legally use images.
*In this project, students are focusing on a particular group of people and a specific area of the world. Therefore, the librarian will help them by presenting a few specific reference materials, such as "Hispanic Culture of South America" (ed. by Peter Standish). Also, the best way to search certain databases, such as Literary Reference Center, will also be explained.


Detailed Description of Scenario in School Library Setting:

Students will spend their first day in the library listening to the librarian do a short presentation on certain databases and reference sources such as Latin American Women Writers They will then spend the rest of the period beginning their research. Their teacher has already decided on the kinds of information which must be included: a brief biography of the author, major works, whether the author belongs to a broader literary movement, and at least a short section on that writer's home country to put their work into a historical context. Students will continue their research during the second day in the library. On the third day, the librarian will introduce Voicethread and how to use it (in addition, a screencast about Voicethread will be posted on the Spanish class wiki for later reference). She will also explain which images students would be free to use and which websites provide copyright free images. Students will then begin their Voicethread projects, with the librarian helping them as needed and their classroom teacher answering any Spanish language questions. The final Voicethread projects will be linked to the class wiki. Students will be required to comment on at least three of their classmates' Voicethreads (in Spanish).



*Submitted by Alissa Rosellini

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